Where to Start in the Bible

Opening the Bible for the first time—or even returning after a long break—can feel overwhelming. With 66 books, thousands of chapters, and so many different styles of writing, it’s natural to ask: “Where do I start?” The good news is that God doesn’t expect us to know it all at once. He simply invites us to begin.

Start with Jesus

If you’re new to the Bible, a Gospel is the best place to start. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) tell the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Since Jesus is the center of our faith, starting here helps you see who He is and why He matters.

• John is often recommended because it highlights Jesus’ divinity and His love for people.
• Mark is shorter and action-packed, perfect if you want a clear overview of Jesus’ ministry.

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” — John 20:31 (NIV)

Turn to Psalms for Comfort and Prayer

If you’re reading during a difficult season, the Psalms are a wonderful place to start. They are full of raw emotion—joy, sorrow, fear, and hope—and teach us how to bring everything honestly before God.

Explore Proverbs for Everyday Wisdom

Proverbs offers short, practical sayings about how to live wisely. It speaks into daily life—relationships, choices, speech, and character. It’s especially helpful if you’re seeking God’s guidance in decision-making.

If You’re Ready for the Bigger Story

After beginning with the Gospels, you might explore:

• Genesis — to see the beginning of God’s creation and His plan for humanity.
• Acts — to understand the birth of the early church and how the good news spread.

This gives you both the foundation (Genesis) and the continuation (Acts).

Practical Tip

Don’t pressure yourself to read too much at once. Start small—a chapter a day or even a few verses. Reflect, ask questions, and let God’s Word meet you where you are. The goal isn’t speed but connection with God.

Closing Encouragement

Wherever you choose to begin, remember this: the Bible is God’s Word, living and active, and He will meet you as you read. Don’t worry about “getting it right.” Just start, and trust that He will guide your journey.

✨ Still Have a Question?

If you have a question please use the Ask a Bible Question page, where you can send in your question directly. Every question matters, and I’ll do my best to answer with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel, where I regularly share Bible verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.